Data Confirms IPS “Rebuilding Stronger” Success

Indianapolis, IN – Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) is seeing success in its “Rebuilding Stronger” initiative, a plan designed to tackle academic and financial hurdles through district reorganization, school consolidation, and facility enhancements.

Recent data presented to the IPS Board of School Commissioners shows the positive impact on students and the wider school community. The “Rebuilding Stronger” plan, which has been gaining momentum since its inception, aims to provide more equitable access to high-quality education and expand program offerings.

A key highlight is the substantial increase in student participation in high-demand academic areas. Enrollment in STEM and International Baccalaureate programs has more than doubled since the 2022-23 school year. Middle school world language enrollment is up 75%, instrumental music by 50%, and elementary computer science has seen a remarkable 120% surge.
Fall middle school athletics participation has also jumped by 111%.

Beyond academics, the initiative is fostering more stable school environments. At Brookside School 54, for example, student mobility has decreased by 14 percentage points. Principal Shauna Lipscomb noted that the “quality of education at Brookside has given families a reason to stay,” leading to increased family involvement and a greater sense of pride and belonging.

Facility improvements are another cornerstone of the plan. As of the 2024-25 school year, 32% of IPS students are now attending classes in buildings rated “Good” or better, a noticeable increase from 27% two years prior. These investments reflect the district’s commitment to creating inspiring learning environments.

Overall, district officials emphasize that “Rebuilding Stronger” is effectively reshaping IPS, ensuring that educational opportunities are more equitably distributed and that students thrive in more vibrant and stable school communities. The district recently received a significant multi-year grant of up to $5.5 million from the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation to further boost STEM readiness among students through its “Destination 2032” initiative.